Windows Server 2022 Remote Desktop Licensing Services not starting after Windows Update
RDP not working, Remote Desktop Licensing Services: TermServLic, RDMS, Remote Desktop Gateway, RD connection Broker Service(s) won´t start after Windows Update
Environment: Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022
Issue:
Remote desktop services not working properly, Remote licensing failing, Remote Desktop Licensing Services: Remote Desktop Gateway, RD connection Broker, TermServLic, RDMS Service(s) won´t start after Windows Update.
May cause the following Issues:
TermServLic service failing to start, event ID 623 may be logged.
The Remote Desktop Licensing service cannot start. The following error occurred: Can’t initialize Cryptographic – error code 5.
No Remote Desktop License Servers available to provide a license, Remote desktop services will stop working
Cause:
This issue can be caused by the RSA cryptographic files loosing their permissions after Windows Updates, this will prevent the Remote Desktop Licensing Services from accessing SSL/crypto data and will cause the services to fail to start.
Resolution:
We have found success using the following resolutions, follow the steps below:
1. Navigate to the following directory
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA\
2. Add Security Permissions to the “MachineKeys” folder
View the properties of the MachineKeys folder, on the security tab add System, Administrator, Domains Admins, and Network Service with Full Control permissions
System: Full Control
Administrator: Full Control
Domain Admins: Full Control
Network Service: Full Control
3. Restart the Server
After these permissions have been set restart the server and check the RD services should have now started.
If you are still having issues with services not starting, verify the RSA directory above also has the correct permissions of full control to the System, Administrator, Domains Admins, and Network Service.
Sources:
https://infiniteserverlife.blogspot.com/2012/12/remote-desktop-licensing-service-not.html
